Another last-minute, good-deed job,โ Royce grumbled as he stuffed supplies into his saddlebag. โTrue,โ Hadrian said, slinging his sword belt over his shoulder, โbut this is at least a paying job.โ โYou should have told him the real reason we saved him from Trumbulโ because we wouldnโt see the hundred tenents otherwise.โ โThat was your reason. Besides, how often do we get to do royal contracts? If word gets around, weโll be able to command top salaries.โ โIf word gets around, weโll be hanged.
Michael J. SullivanAny chance heโs turned a new leaf and taken up sailing for real?โ โAbout as likely as me doing it.โ Hadrian eyed Royce for a heartbeat. โI put him at the top of the list.
Michael J. SullivanHave you ever been in love, Hadrian?โ โIโm not sure. How do you tell?โ โLove? Why, itโs like coming home.โ Hadrian considered the comment. โWhat are you thinking?โ Bulard asked. Hadrian shook his head. โNothing.โ โYes, you were. What? You can tell me. Iโm an excellent repository for secrets. Iโll likely forget, but if I donโt, well, Iโm an old man in a remote jungle. Iโm sure to die before I can repeat anything.โ Hadrian smiled, then shrugged. โI was just thinking about the rain.
Michael J. SullivanThere you are!โ he shouted at them. โFather has half the castle turned out looking for you.โ โUs?โ Hadrian asked. โYes.โ Fanen nodded. โHe wants to see the two thieves in his chambers right away.โ โYou didnโt steal the silver or anything, did you, Royce?โ Hadrian asked. โI would bet it has more to do with your flirting with Lenare this afternoon and threatening Mauvin just to show off,โ Royce retorted. โThat was your fault,โ Hadrian said, jabbing his finger at him.
Michael J. SullivanAlric looked up at the thief with a scowl. โI just want to say for the record that as far as royal protectors go, youโre not very good.โ โItโs my first day,โ Royce replied dryly. โAnd already Iโm trapped in a timeless prison. I shudder to think what might have happened if you had a whole week.
Michael J. SullivanRoyce cast a harsh and anxious look at the prince. โWhat?โ Alric asked. โI thought we discussed the importance of keeping a low profile.โ โOh, please.โ The prince waved a hand at the thief. โI donโt think it will get me killed if this monk knows Iโm the king. Look at him. Iโve seen drowned rats more formidable.
Michael J. Sullivan